Tape-retaining arrangement

ABSTRACT

An arrangement for the free end of a rolled tape, such as a magnetic tape, which effectively retains the tape on its spool, and which, at the same time, permits ready withdrawal of the tape, when desired.

ilnite Smite Patent new [54] TAPE-RETAHNHNG ARRANGEMENT [72] inventor: David Martin Kiteil, 660 Fargo Street,

Owensboro, Ky. 42301 [22] Filed: Get. 6, 1969 21 App1.No.: wuss [52] 111.8. Cl .242/210, 242/74, 242/195, 206/53 [51] lint. Cl. 1865h 75/34, G03b 1/04, G1 lb 15/60 [58] Field OiS/earch ..242/210,71,171.8, 242/74; 206/53-55; 96/78; 117/44 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Bernat 242/74 1451 Feb. 29, 11972 3,468,493 9/1969 lves ..242/74 3,112,030 11/1963 Rothfuss... ...206/53 3,196,034 7/1965 Pandolfo... ..117/44 3,204,888 9/1965 Bernat ..242/74 3,234,024 2/1966 Leinonen ..96/78 Primary ExaminerLeonard D. Christian Attorney-Warren 1D. Flackbert [57] ABSTRACT An arrangement for the free end of a rolled tape, such as a magnetic tape, which effectively retains the tape on its spool, and which, at the same time, permits ready withdrawal of the tape, when desired.

4 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 29, 1972 INVENTOR Dav/0 M. K/fC/l ATTORNEY TAPE-RETAINING ARRANGEMENT As is known, rolled tapes, such as magnetic tapes used by disc jockeys, have presented problems to the user. More particularly, it has been difficult to maintain the tape in a rolled condition, i.e., without loosening on the reel or spool, and yet provide for ready use of the tape by the operator when desired.

The invention herein provides a simple, yet positive approach for the retention of a tape on its reel or spool, and yet, at the same time, permits the ready withdrawal of the tape. The preceding is accomplished through the use of laterally extending tabs on a leader or separate member which is conventionally secured to the tape. The tabs are readily engageable with either the inner surfaces of the walls of the spool for the tape or, on the other hand, may extend through the usual open areas in the walls of the spool.

The invention may have several alternative embodiments. In this connection, the aforesaid lateral tabs may be reinforced to afford a multilayer locking portion. On the other hand, portions of the surfaces of the tabs may have friction material disposed thereon for even more effective grasping action. The invention, in any of its embodiments, is readily manufactured and, as stated, effective in use.

A better understanding of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein FIG. l is a fragmentary view of the locking arrangement of the invention,

FIG. 2 is an alternative embodiment of the invention, disclosing a multilayered tab;

FIG. 3 is still a further alternative embodiment of the invention, showing a friction portion on the locking tabs;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partly fragmentary, showing the invention in one form of use, i.e., bearing against the inner surfaces of the walls of the spool carrying the tape; and,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, also partly fragmentary, showing the invention when the locking tabs extend through the usual open areas in the walls of the spool for the tape.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the pun ciples of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications of the illustrated devices and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

Referring now to FIG. ll, a leader R2 for a tape, such as a magnetic tape, is shown, modified in accordance with the teachings of the invention. As should be apparent, locking tabs 12a extend laterally from the long body defining the leader, being foldable, to be described herebelow.

The alternative embodiment of FIG. 2 closely parallels that of FIG. 1, except that a double-thickness locking tab area 12a is disclosed, the second thickness, or even more thicknesses, being added for resilience and strength.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the invention, where the looking or engaging surfaces of the locking tabs have friction material M thereon to add even far more effective locking action.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show applications of the invention. In FIG. 4, the locking tabs 12a are shown in a securing relationship with the inner surfaces of the walls defining the sides of the spool or reel 15 which carries the tape. On the other hand, locking is achieved in the FIG. 5 representation where the locking tabs 12a extend through the areas or openings 15b normally in the sidewalls 15a of the spool 15 which carries the tape.

The invention provides a simple yet highly effective approach for retaining the free end of a rolled tape on its spool. Not only is retaining simplified, through one of several approaches, but the end of the tape is readily available for fast use by the operator, as for example, a disc jockey. The inventron 1S susceptible to various changes, as, for example, the plan configuration of the locking tabs may be varied, with equally effective end results.

I claim:

l. A locking arrangement for the end of a tape carried on a spool having openings in the sidewalls thereof comprising a leader having laterally extending tabs for selective locking with portions of said sidewalls of said spool.

2. The locking arrangement of claim I where said tabs are multilayered.

3. The locking arrangement of claim l where said tabs have a friction material disposed on portions of the locking surfaces thereof.

4. The locking arrangement of claim I where said tabs extend through said openings in said sidewalls of said spool. 

1. A locking arrangement for the end of a tape carried on a spool having openings in the sidewalls thereof comprising a leader having laterally extending tabs for selective locking with portions of said sidewalls of said spool.
 2. The locking arrangement of claim 1 where said tabs are multilayered.
 3. The locking arrangement of claim 1 where said tabs have a friction material disposed on portions of the locking surfaces thereof.
 4. The locking arrangement of claim 1 where said tabs extend through said openings in said sidewalls of said spool. 